For the second consecutive year, the Citrus College Veterans’ Program has received recognition from a national publication.

GI Job, a monthly magazine devoted to helping enlisted personnel transition from military service to the civilian workforce, has designated Citrus College as a Military Friendly School for 2012. As such, the college was provided with a basic listing in the 2012 Guide to Military Friendly Schools, which was released Monday, September 7. Citrus College is also highlighted on the publication’s website, www.militaryfriendlyschools.com.

“Citrus College has a proud history of educating active and former members of the armed forces,” said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, Citrus College superintendent/president. “We are very committed to serving those who serve our country, and it is extremely gratifying to once again be recognized by GI Jobs.”

According to the magazine, inclusion in the 2012 Guide to Military Friendly Schools ranks Citrus College among the top 15 percent of all higher education institutions nationwide. Featured schools include state universities, private colleges, community colleges, and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students.

The list itself was compiled through extensive research involving the polling of more than 7,000 institutes of higher education in the United States. The methodology was developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board consisting of educators from public and private colleges and universities, as well as veteran representatives.

Criteria for selection included academic accreditation, efforts to recruit and retain student veterans and the results of these recruitment efforts. Many of the recognized schools also offer additional benefits to veterans, such as on-campus programs, credit for service, military spouse services, and more.

“The outstanding support programs and services that Citrus College offers are designed to meet the unique needs of our nation’s veterans,” Dr. Perri said. “From our Veterans Center, which connects student veterans with their peers and provides them with important information, to our program, which was the first of its kind in the nation, Citrus College is dedicated to helping members of the military achieve success through educational opportunity.”

Citrus College enjoys a distinguished reputation for its commitment to veteran education. In 2010, the college’s veterans program was featured in a video presented at the White House Summit on Community Colleges. Citrus College also received a Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education last year.

“The college has worked diligently to create a welcoming environment that supports military personnel and their families,” said Dr. Patricia Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. “It is very affirming to be consistently acknowledged for providing a beneficial college experience for this very important group. Our veterans program will continue to evolve and adapt as we strive to serve our students in the best manner possible.”

GI Jobs is considered a premier source for those transitioning from military duty to the private sector. It provides education, transition assistance, and job opportunities for veterans.

By awarding Citrus College this special designation, the magazine acknowledges the college as an institution of higher learning that provides student veterans with high quality benefits.

“The mission of Citrus College is to empower all students by providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete globally and contribute to society,” said Dr. Rasmussen. “It is a great honor to have the opportunity to welcome returning veterans to higher learning. Through the help of educational programs such as ours, these brave individuals will continue to serve our nation by bringing much needed talent, skills, and experience to our labor force.”